The Repentant

The introduction mentions things like Buffy and Angel but frankly none of the characters area like that, no 90210 clones here. Instead most of the stories are hard horror with interesting characters trying to either live a "normal life" or finding themselves with new opportunities for changing their status. The book is divided into four sections. The first includes both witch and werewolf stories -- frankly I think these could be separate sections with one more werewolf and two more witch pieces. Next are the stories about the living dead -- zombies, constructs, mummies. Then the vampire section that has four stories and is the largest section. Finally a section for demons which I found the most difficult to empathize with. Overall good quality writing from several well-known horror writers.

This is the latest in a long line of Martin Greenberg anthologies published by DAW. This one is about creatures of the night, werewolves, witches, demons, vampires, and even the dead who have found the road to redemption. Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel will especially love this one. Of special note is that this anthology contains an original story of Henry Fitzroy, explaining how he spent his time during the inquisition. It also has an original Saint-Germain story about his time during the inquisition. Some of the authors represented are Jeff Grub, Jody Lynn Nye, Edo Van Belkom, Fiona Patton, Jean Rabe, James Lowder, Tanya Huff, P.N. Elrod, Brian M. Thomsen, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Tom Dupree, and Allan C. Kupfer. All and all this is yet another fine read and strong anthology by both Daw and Martin Greenberg. Fantasy and horror fans alike are sure to have fun with this one.

This entertaining thirteen-story collection focuses on classic monster types like werewolves trying to do the right thing in terms of humanity. The anthology is divided into four subjects ("Werewolves and Witches", "The Dead", "The Undead", and "The Demonic") with three sections containing three stories and "The Undead" with four. The tales overall are well written and are clearly targeted towards modern monsterolists. The authors are a virtual who's who, whom for the most part seem to have a good time providing a contribution. No story is weak, but a bite from "The Undead" section is truly worth the time. THE REPENTANT is a fine short story anthology that the monster generalist fan will appreciate.Harriet Klausner